Experts Discuss Regulatory Frameworks for New Breeding Techniques in ISAAA Webinar

ISAAA Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech), held a webinar titled Global and Local Perspectives on the Regulatory Frameworks for New Breeding Techniques in Crops on 6 March 2025, via Zoom. This webinar provided an overview of the regulatory pathways related to crops developed through New Breeding Techniques (NBTs).

The webinar was attended by 310 participants who were welcomed by Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA Inc. Dr. Aldemita said that bioscience innovations, such as gene editing, transform agriculture through the precise, efficient, and cost-effective development of improved genetics in plants and animals. Dr. Aldemita hopes that the discussions from the webinar will provide ideas and pointers to harmonize regulations that facilitate the adoption and acceptance of products of NBTs in food and agriculture.

Ms. Ma. Lorelie U. Agbagala, Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Head Secretariat of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) and DOST - Biosafety Committee, provided an overview of the NBTs and the regulatory system in the Philippines. Ms. Agbagala said that the regulatory approach of the Philippines is aligned with regulatory trends in other regions like Japan, Argentina, and Brazil.

Dr. Michael G. K. Jones, a Professor from Murdoch University and the lead author of Enabling Trade in Gene-Edited Produce in Asia and Australasia: The Developing Regulatory Landscape and Future Perspectives, discussed the global perspective on regulating crops developed through NBTs. Dr. Jones presented a flowchart showing the pathways to de-regulation of gene-edited products in Australia (SDN-1 only), Japan (SDN-1 and 2), India (SDN-1 and 2), and China (evolving).

Mr. Panfilo G. de Guzman, Senior Associate Scientist of ISAAA Inc., facilitated the interactive discussion among the resource persons and participants following the presentations of the speakers. Dr. Paul C. Limson, Director of DA Biotech, delivered the closing remarks through a recorded video, emphasizing the importance of flexible regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring safety. Dr. Limson said that it is a shared responsibility to build trust and inform stakeholders to boost public acceptance and successful adoption of these technologies. The event was moderated by Janine Cyren Escasura, Project Technical Assistant at ISAAA Inc.

Watch the recorded webinar on ISAAA webinars page and YouTube. For inquiries, email meetings@isaaa.org.